The document discusses a debate in the American theater around issues of funding, representation, and casting of minority actors. August Wilson argued that funding policies rewarded mainstream white theaters at the expense of supporting African American theaters. He also criticized "colorblind" casting that placed black actors in roles written for white characters. Robert Brustien disagreed and advocated for a "single value system" that brought all people together regardless of race. While positions remained unchanged, future discussions were planned to further address the issues. Thirteen years later, the controversy was still ongoing but representation of minorities in the arts had improved.